Kits and methods using combined samples to improve sensitivity

Abstract

Disclosed are methods for detecting analytes using combined sample collection types. In particular, a first sample is combined with a bio-aerosol sample. Also disclosed are kits that include components for collecting and combining a first sample with a bio-aerosol sample.

1 . A method for detecting an analyte in a combined sample obtained from a subject, the method comprising:
 collecting first sample;   collecting a bio-aerosol sample;   introducing the first sample into a buffer, wherein the buffer elutes at least a portion of the first sample into the buffer to form a first eluent buffer;   contacting at least a portion of the first eluent buffer with the bio-aerosol sample, wherein the first eluent buffer elutes at least a portion of the bio-aerosol sample to form a combined sample; and   analyzing the combined sample for the analyte.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the bio-aerosol sample is collected using a droplet collection device. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the droplet collection device is selected from a mask, a mask insert, an expiratory droplet collection strip, an electret filter material, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the bio-aerosol collection is using a bio-aerosol collection device wherein the subject blows into the bio-aerosol collection device, coughs into the bio-aerosol collection device, hums into the bio-aerosol collection device, speaks into the bio-aerosol collection device, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the bio-aerosol sample is collected using a material capable of entrapping a pathogen expired by the subject. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first sample is selected from a swab sample, a saliva sample, a sputum sample, an aspirate sample, a lavage sample, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the analyzing is performed using amplification, an immunoassay, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the analyzing comprises a polymerase chain reaction. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the analyzing is performed using lateral flow analysis, vertical flow analysis, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the combined sample is analyzed by introducing at least a portion of the combined sample into a lateral flow assay, a vertical flow assay, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the analyte is a pathogen. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the bio-aerosol collection device comprises a collection substrate and the collection substrate is transferred from the bio-aerosol collection device into a vial. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the vial comprises a buffer. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the vial comprises the first eluent buffer. 
     
     
         15 . A kit comprising:
 at least one of a swab, a saliva collection vial, a sputum collection vial, and lavage collection components;   a bio-aerosol collection device;   a buffer; and   instructions for using the kit.   
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 15 , further comprising an analytical device. 
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein the analytical device comprises a lateral flow assay, a vertical flow assay, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the bio-aerosol collection device is a mask insert. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the bio-aerosol collection device is a blow tube device.